Recycling of Low-Quality Carbon Black Produced by Tire Pyrolysis

Abstract

Pyrolysis is a promising way to reuse of waste tires. However, the carbon black generated in the process is often contaminated with various pyrolysis products. This study aims to recycle low-quality recycled carbon black (rCB) from waste tire pyrolysis, addressing the challenges posed by organic residues (up to 5 wt% bituminous substances, 112.2 mg/kg PAH). This causes the agglomeration of particles and decreases the active specific surface area. Cavitational vortex milling (both wet and dry) emerges as a promising method to valorize contaminated rCB, allowing for a significant reduction in the concentration of contaminants. This novel method allows for the generation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic black pigments. In parallel experiments, low-quality rCB is incorporated into solid biofuel to enhance its calorific value. The addition of 10 wt% rCB) to peat residues significantly elevates the calorific value from 14.5 MJ/kg to 21.0 MJ/kg. However, this improvement is accompanied by notable increases in CO2 and SO2 emissions. This dual effect underscores the necessity of considering environmental consequences when utilizing recycled carbon black as a supplement to solid biofuels. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of cavitational vortex milling for carbon black valorization and highlight the trade-offs associated with enhancing biofuel properties through the addition of rCB.